There's no shortage of options. Within a tiny walk from Maritime sits Johnny's Cathouse, Shameless O'Leery's, Bombay's and Capone's. Also, there are six other full bars downtown within walking distance, plus a couple of beer pubs and four wine bars.

Still, the Spice Lounge seems to have found a niche heading into its second year. Song and her staff say they're going for more of a big city club experience. The arched open windows and soft white interior of the Maritime play to that strength.

Open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights, the crowd tends to be mostly twenty- to thirtysomethings. Those a little older may not feel totally out of place.

Many in the crowd dress up (it's encouraged) and the bouncers (eight, count ‘em) are impeccably dressed. The fact that there have been no fights requiring law enforcement is a testament to the staff's quick approach to defusing tensions, says Song. It may also have something to do with the fact that some of the bouncers look like they could play defensive end for 49ers.

That said, the focus is on having fun, dancing to the DJ mix and keeping it on the positive side, Song says.

"Maybe it's a little bit more like San Francisco style, very classy style," she said.

A hip move is having guests enter through the California Street side and exit through the traditional Maritime entrance, which faces the Lorenz Hotel. It builds up a little suspense as you approach the bar, which has always been an elegant space.

There's typically no cover and a bar menu gets served late with such options as pork pinwheel wraps, fish and chips, crispy battered calamari and a cheddar burger special with fries. Items range from $5 to $9.

And, by the way, don't forget that the Maritime itself is still open for business from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, says Song. You might remember the Maritime – way back in 2006, a story in the New York Times called it Redding's "newest and finest restaurant."

These days, it has a lot of high-end competition, Song says, mentioning places like View 202, Clearie's and Moonstone Bistro. That's why she's glad she's "spiced" things up and it's worked.